US20180187816A1 - Noise attenuators for use with process control devices - Google Patents
Noise attenuators for use with process control devices Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20180187816A1 US20180187816A1 US15/395,227 US201615395227A US2018187816A1 US 20180187816 A1 US20180187816 A1 US 20180187816A1 US 201615395227 A US201615395227 A US 201615395227A US 2018187816 A1 US2018187816 A1 US 2018187816A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- plate
- plates
- support rod
- support rods
- fluid passageway
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L55/00—Devices or appurtenances for use in, or in connection with, pipes or pipe systems
- F16L55/02—Energy absorbers; Noise absorbers
- F16L55/027—Throttle passages
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L55/00—Devices or appurtenances for use in, or in connection with, pipes or pipe systems
- F16L55/02—Energy absorbers; Noise absorbers
- F16L55/033—Noise absorbers
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L55/00—Devices or appurtenances for use in, or in connection with, pipes or pipe systems
- F16L55/02—Energy absorbers; Noise absorbers
- F16L55/027—Throttle passages
- F16L55/02709—Throttle passages in the form of perforated plates
- F16L55/02718—Throttle passages in the form of perforated plates placed transversely
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
- G10K—SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICES; METHODS OR DEVICES FOR PROTECTING AGAINST, OR FOR DAMPING, NOISE OR OTHER ACOUSTIC WAVES IN GENERAL; ACOUSTICS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G10K11/00—Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound in general; Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general
- G10K11/16—Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general
- G10K11/161—Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general in systems with fluid flow
Definitions
- This disclosure relates generally to noise attenuators and, more particularly, to noise attenuators for use with process control devices.
- Fluid valves, regulators and other process control devices are commonly distributed throughout process control systems and/or fluid distribution systems to control flow rates and/or pressures of various fluids (e.g., liquids, gases, etc.).
- Process control devices may be used to change a characteristic of a fluid such as a pressure, a temperature, a flow rate, etc. This change in a characteristic of the fluid often causes a significant amount of audible noise.
- fluid regulators are typically used to reduce and/or regulate a pressure of fluid to a predetermined value. Some fluid regulators reduce an inlet pressure to a lower outlet pressure by restricting flow through an orifice to match a downstream demand. However, fluid flowing through the pressure regulators creates a significant amount of audible noise.
- An example apparatus disclosed herein includes a first plate and a second plate disposed in a fluid passageway of a noise attenuator.
- the second plate is spaced apart from the first plate.
- the example apparatus also includes a first support rod extending along a central axis of the fluid passageway.
- the first support rod is coupled to the first plate and to the second plate.
- the example apparatus further includes a second support rod extending along an axis parallel to and offset from the central axis.
- the second support rod is coupled to the first plate and the second plate.
- Another example apparatus disclosed herein includes a first plate, a second plate and a third plate spaced apart from each other in a fluid passageway of a noise attenuator, a first set of support rods coupled between the first plate and the second plate and a second set of support rods coupled between the second plate and the third plate.
- the support rods of the second set are aligned along respective axes offset from the support rods of the first set.
- Another example apparatus disclosed herein includes a first plate and a second plate disposed in a fluid passageway of a noise attenuator.
- the second plate is spaced apart from the first plate.
- the example apparatus also includes a first support rod extending through centers of the first and second plates. The first and second plates are coupled to the first support rod.
- the example apparatus further includes a second support rod coupled to peripheral portions of the first and second plates. The second support rod is parallel to and spaced apart from the first support rod.
- Another example apparatus disclosed herein includes a noise attenuator body having a fluid passageway between and inlet and an outlet, a support rod extending along a central axis of the fluid passageway and a plate coupled to the support rod and disposed in the fluid passageway.
- the plate is curved such that a concave side of the plate faces the inlet.
- FIG. 1 is a side view of an example noise attenuator implemented in an example regulator assembly and constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.
- FIG. 2A is a perspective cross-sectional view of the example noise attenuator of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 2B is a side cross-sectional view of the example noise attenuator of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3A is a perspective cross-sectional view of another example noise attenuator constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.
- FIG. 3B is a side cross-sectional view of the example noise attenuator of FIG. 3A .
- pressure regulators are used to control flow rates and/or pressures of various fluids (e.g., liquids, gases, etc.).
- fluid regulators may be utilized within process control and/or fluid distribution systems to reduce and/or regulate a fluid pressure to a substantially constant value.
- Known pressure regulators include an inlet that receives fluid from a source at a relatively high pressure and an outlet that provides fluid to downstream equipment at a relatively lower pressure than that of the inlet. The inlet pressure of some known pressure regulators is reduced to a lower outlet pressure by restricting flow through an orifice to match a downstream demand.
- known pressure regulators of process control and/or fluid distribution systems receive fluid (e.g., gas, liquid) having a relatively high and somewhat variable pressure from an upstream source and regulate the fluid flow to reduce and/or stabilize the pressure to a level suitable for use by downstream equipment (e.g., equipment of a power generator, a petroleum refiner, etc.).
- fluid e.g., gas, liquid
- downstream equipment e.g., equipment of a power generator, a petroleum refiner, etc.
- the process control devices affect the flow of fluid in a manner that creates audible noise.
- pressure regulators produce a substantial decrease in pressure or flow rate of the fluid, which, in turn, creates a significant amount of audible noise (e.g., greater than about 85 decibels).
- Pressure regulators may employ noise attenuators or noise-reduction devices to reduce the level of audible noise created by the fluid flowing through the pressure regulator.
- Example noise attenuators described herein include a series of plates or discs disposed in a fluid passageway to induce pressure drops along a flow path through the fluid passageway.
- the plates include openings (e.g., holes, apertures) that define fluid flow paths through the plates and, thus, through the fluid passageway.
- the pressure of the fluid is incrementally reduced (e.g., by a discrete amount, by a percentage of the previous fluid pressure) along a flow path.
- the pressure drops induced by the plates result in a corresponding reduction or attenuation of noise (e.g., by a discrete decibel level, by a percentage of the decibel level otherwise produced by the pressure regulator).
- Some known noise attenuators include a central rod that extends along a center of the passageway and is coupled to each of the plates to support the plates in the fluid passageway.
- the central rod extends through the centers of the plates and holds the plates in a perpendicular orientation relative to the flow path.
- fluid flowing through the noise attenuator applies a force on peripheral portions of the plates. This force creates a high bending stress at or near the center of each of the plates where the plate is supported by the central rod. If the pressure drop across a plate increases beyond a threshold, the plate may yield.
- This force also causes the peripheral portions to bend, deflect, rotate and/or otherwise move away from a wall of the fluid passageway (e.g., in a downstream direction), thereby reducing an amount of noise attenuation provided by the plates.
- Some known noise attenuators utilize two of the plates to form a spring barrel containing a plurality of springs to reduce noise. If the plates are moved or bent away from their original position, the springs may become dislodged and travel down the fluid passageway (and, in some instances, around the downstream plates that are also bent or moved away from the wall of the passageway). The springs can cause significant damage and/or negatively affect any downstream devices or equipment.
- example noise attenuators having a central support rod and one or more additional support rods (e.g., secondary or auxiliary support rods) coupled between adjacent plates to increase the support provided to the plates.
- the additional rods reduce or eliminate bending and deforming in the plates while maintaining an amount of noise attenuation provided by the plates.
- the example noise attenuators reduce unacceptable high noise levels (e.g., greater than about 85 decibels) produced by process control devices (e.g., pressure regulators) in fluid communication with the example noise attenuators to more acceptable low noise levels (e.g., less than about 85 decibels).
- An example noise attenuator disclosed herein includes a body having a fluid passageway between an inlet and an outlet.
- the example noise attenuator includes plates (e.g., attenuators, suppressors, etc.) disposed in the fluid passageway and spaced apart from each other along the fluid passageway (e.g., along a central axis of the fluid passageway).
- a central support rod extends along a central axis of the passageway and is coupled to each of the plates.
- the example noise attenuator includes support rods coupled between adjacent plates that are offset or spaced apart from the central support rod.
- the support rods may be positioned at or near peripheral portions (e.g., a first peripheral portion, a second peripheral portion) of the respective plates.
- peripheral portions e.g., a first peripheral portion, a second peripheral portion
- a first set of support rods may be coupled between a first plate and a second plate that is downstream of the first plate.
- the first set of support rods are parallel to and spaced apart from central support rod.
- the first set of support rods may be coupled to the first and second plates at or near peripheral portions of the first and second plates (e.g., closer to a peripheral edge of the first and second plates than the central support rod).
- the peripheral portion e.g., an outer edge
- the first plate is coupled to the wall of the passageway.
- the peripheral portion (e.g., at or near an outer edge of the first plate) may be engaged with a ledge formed in the wall of the passageway.
- the ledge prevents the peripheral portion of the first plate from moving or bending in the downstream direction.
- the load generated by the second plate (and/or subsequent plates) is transferred back to the first plate and distributed to the ledge of the wall in the passageway.
- relatively thin or narrow support rods may be implemented, which have a minimal impact on the flow area.
- the noise attenuator includes a third plate downstream of the second plate, and a second set of support rods is coupled between the second plate and the third plate.
- the second set of support rods may be positioned at or near peripheral portions of the second and third plates.
- the first set of support rods extend between the first and second plates
- the second set of support rods extend between the second and third plates.
- bending forces or stresses induced in the third plate are transferred (via the second set of support rods) back to the second plate and, thus, and transferred back to the first plate as described above.
- the second set of support rods are aligned or oriented along axes that are offset from the first set of support rods.
- Some example noise attenuators include more than three plates.
- each set of support rods may be offset from the support rods of the previous and/or subsequent sets (e.g., upstream and downstream). In other examples, one or more of the support rods may extend between more than two plates.
- the support rods disclosed herein are coupled between adjacent plates and spaced apart from the central support rod (e.g., the support rods are coupled to the peripheral portions of the respective plates), the support rods deter and/or prevent the peripheral portions of the plates from bending and/or deforming away from the wall of the fluid passageway when forces are applied to the peripheral portions as a result of fluid flowing through the fluid passageway.
- the support rods increase and/or maintain an amount of noise attenuation provided by the plates.
- the support rods are spaced equidistantly around the peripheral portions of the plates to more evenly distribute stress and/or strain in the plates that result from the fluid flow acting on the plates and, thus, reduce a likelihood of the plates breaking, bending, and/or otherwise failing over time.
- the support rods are arranged in a pattern or equidistant arrangement (e.g., a ring around the central support rod, a matrix of rows and columns, etc.) around the plates.
- the support rods extend through openings defined in the plates to couple the plates together.
- a first set of support rods may extend through openings in a first plate and through openings in a second plate downstream of the first plate.
- the openings of the first and second plates align, which enables the support rods to extend in a direction parallel to the central axis of the fluid passageway (e.g., parallel to the central support rod) and further increase the structural support the support rods provide to the plates.
- the support rods are threaded, and threaded fasteners (e.g., nuts) are coupled to the support rods to maintain the plates in position.
- an end of one of the support rods may extend through the second plate, and a threaded fastener may be threadably coupled to the end of the support rod on a side of the second plate facing downstream (e.g., toward the outlet) in the fluid passageway.
- the opposite end of the support rod extends through the first plate, and a threaded fastener may be threadably coupled to the support rod on a side of the first plate that facing upstream (e.g., toward the inlet) in the fluid passageway.
- the fluid passageway tapers outwardly (e.g., diverges) toward the outlet of fluid passageway to reduce fluid pressure within the fluid passageway and, thus, increase noise attenuation produced by the noise attenuator.
- the plates to enable the plates to be positioned along the fluid passageway and adjacent the tapered wall of the fluid passageway, the plates have different diameters such that a plate closer to the outlet has a larger diameter than a plate further from the outlet.
- An example noise attenuator having one or more curved plates (e.g., concave plates).
- An example noise attenuator includes a plate disposed in a passageway between an inlet and an outlet.
- a central support rod extends along a central axis of the fluid passageway and is coupled to the plate to retain the plate in the fluid passageway.
- the plate is curved such that a concave side of the plate faces the inlet (e.g., upstream) and a convex side of the plate faces the outlet (e.g., downstream).
- the peripheral portions of the plate are biased or preloaded toward the upstream direction.
- any bending forces or stresses acting on the plate have minimal effect on the plate.
- an outer edge of the curved plate is engaged with a wall of the passageway.
- a diameter of the plate in a flattened orientation e.g., an effective diameter
- the outer edge of the plate is pressed into engagement with the wall of the fluid passageway, thereby preventing any bending or movement of the plate.
- at least part of the load is transferred away from the central support rod and to the wall of the fluid passageway.
- two curved plates are implemented.
- the curved plates are implemented with the support rods disclosed above.
- the example noise attenuators disclosed herein may be coupled to an outlet of a process control device, such a pressure regulator, to reduce or suppress the noise created by the flow of fluid through the process control device.
- a process control device such as a pressure regulator
- the example noise attenuators are integrated into the process control device (e.g., within a housing or body of the process control device).
- the example noise attenuators may replace an outlet flange of a pressure regulator.
- the noise attenuators may be separate from the process control device that created the audible noise and/or otherwise disposed downstream of the process control device.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an example noise attenuator 100 constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.
- the example noise attenuator 100 may be used to reduce noise levels in a process control system and/or fluid distribution system.
- the example noise attenuator 100 may be coupled to, for example, an outlet of a process control device to reduce the noise created by the flow of fluid exiting the process control device.
- the noise attenuator 100 is coupled to a fluid regulator 102 (e.g., a pressure regulator) as part of a fluid regulator assembly 104 .
- a fluid regulator 102 e.g., a pressure regulator
- the noise attenuator 100 may be coupled to and/or otherwise integrated with any other type of process control device (e.g., a valve) and/or any other device that changes a characteristic of a fluid and creates noise.
- the fluid regulator assembly 104 is to process a fluid (e.g., natural gas, air, propane, nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, etc.) through a passageway of the fluid regulator 102 between a regulator inlet 106 and a regulator outlet 108 .
- a fluid e.g., natural gas, air, propane, nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, etc.
- the regulator inlet 106 of the illustrated example is capable of receiving a fluid at a relatively high pressure (e.g., between approximately 1200 psi and 1800 psi) from an upstream source and reduces the pressure of the fluid at the regulator outlet 108 (e.g., down to about 10 psi) based on a predetermined or preset setting. Due to relatively large pressure drops of the fluid as the fluid flows between the regulator inlet 106 and the regulator outlet 108 and/or relatively high velocity fluid flow rate of the fluid exiting the regulator outlet 108 , the fluid may generate unacceptable noise levels (e.g., greater than 85 decibels).
- a relatively high pressure e.g., between approximately 1200 psi and 1800 psi
- the fluid may generate unacceptable noise levels (e.g., greater than 85 decibels).
- the example noise attenuator 100 is in fluid communication with the regulator outlet 108 and reduces the noise levels produced by the fluid regulator 102 to an acceptable noise level (e.g., lower than 85 decibels).
- the fluid exits the regulator outlet 108 and flows through the noise attenuator 100 to a downstream source (e.g., a pipe).
- FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate cross-sectional views of the example noise attenuator 100 .
- FIG. 2A is a perspective cross-sectional view of the example noise attenuator 100
- FIG. 2B is a side cross-sectional view of the example noise attenuator 100 as coupled to the regulator outlet 108 .
- the noise attenuator 100 includes a body 200 with a wall 202 (e.g., an inner wall) defining a fluid passageway 204 between an inlet 206 and an outlet 208 and a noise-attenuation assembly 210 (e.g., a noise-abatement assembly) disposed in the fluid passageway 204 .
- a wall 202 e.g., an inner wall
- a noise-attenuation assembly 210 e.g., a noise-abatement assembly
- the noise-attenuation assembly 210 includes one or more structure(s) to reduce noise of fluid flowing through the fluid passageway 204 .
- the noise-attenuation assembly 210 includes a first plate 212 (e.g., a noise attenuator or suppressor), a second plate 214 , a third plate 216 and a fourth plate 218 disposed in the fluid passageway 204 between the inlet 206 and the outlet 208 .
- the noise-attenuation assembly 210 may include more or fewer plates (e.g., one plate, two plates, five plates, eight plates, etc.).
- first, second, third and/or fourth plates 212 , 214 , 216 , 218 are constructed of a metallic material such as steel. In other examples, the first, second, third and/or fourth plates 212 , 214 , 216 , 218 may be constructed of other suitable materials.
- the first, second, third and fourth plates 212 , 214 , 216 , 218 are spaced apart from each other along a central axis 220 (e.g., a longitudinal axis) of the fluid passageway 204 .
- the first plate 212 is disposed in a first position in the fluid passageway 204
- the second plate 214 is disposed in a second position in the fluid passageway 204 downstream of the first position
- the third plate 216 is disposed in a third position in the fluid passageway 204 downstream of the second position
- the fourth plate 218 is disposed in a fourth position in the fluid passageway 204 downstream of the third position.
- the plates 212 - 218 are perpendicular to the central axis 220 of the fluid passageway 204 .
- Each of the plates 212 - 218 has a peripheral portion 222 (e.g., an outer edge or area near the outer edge of the plates 212 - 218 ) that is adjacent and/or engages a portion of the wall 202 defining the fluid passageway 204 .
- the distances between adjacent ones of the plates 212 - 218 may be the same distance or different distances.
- the distance between the first and second plates 212 , 214 may be two inches
- the distance between the third and fourth plates 216 , 218 may be four inches.
- the plates 212 - 218 include openings 224 (e.g., apertures, perforations, etc.) that define fluid pathways through the plates 212 - 218 and, thus, through the fluid passageway 204 .
- the openings 224 are arranged in a continuous or repeating pattern in which the openings 224 are equidistant from each other. In other examples, the openings 224 may be disposed in other configurations.
- Fluid is to flow from an upstream source (e.g., from the regulator outlet 108 ) into the inlet 206 , through the plates 212 - 218 in the fluid passageway 204 , and through the outlet 208 to a downstream source (e.g., a pipe).
- the plates 212 - 218 induce incremental pressure drops in the flowing fluid, which slows the fluid and reduces noise caused by the flowing fluid.
- the first plate 212 and the second plate 214 form a spring barrel.
- the first plate 212 and the second plate 214 are coupled by a cylindrical wall 226 and define a cavity 228 (e.g., a barrel, a cage).
- the cylindrical wall 226 includes a plurality of openings 230 defining fluid pathways through the cylindrical wall 226 .
- the cavity 228 houses one or more springs 232 .
- Two springs 232 e.g., coils
- any number of springs e.g., hundreds or thousands may be disposed within the cavity 228 .
- the springs 232 are packed relatively tightly within the cavity 228 , such that movement of the springs 232 is minimal.
- the springs 232 form fluid pathways that slow the flow of fluid through the cavity 228 and reduce the noise of the flowing fluid.
- different shaped structures e.g., metal balls
- the combination of the springs 232 disposed in the cavity 228 , the openings 224 in the plates 212 - 218 and the openings 230 in the cylindrical wall 226 dissipate energy of fluid flowing through the fluid passageway 204 and, thus, reduce audible noise levels resulting from the process control device (e.g., the fluid regulator 102 ( FIG. 1 )).
- the first and second plates 212 , 214 may not form a spring barrel. Additionally or alternatively, in other examples, a spring barrel may be defined by subsequent plates downstream of the first and/or second plates 212 , 214 .
- the plates 212 - 218 are disposed within a tapered portion 234 of the fluid passageway 204 .
- a cross-section or an opening size (e.g., a diameter) of the tapered portion 234 expands or increases between the inlet 206 and the outlet 208 .
- at least a portion of the fluid passageway 204 e.g., the tapered portion 234
- This diverging shape of the fluid passageway 204 enables the fluid to expand and decrease in velocity to dissipate energy of the fluid flow and/or to reduce noise.
- the diameter of the outlet 208 is twice (or more than) the diameter of the inlet 206 .
- the diameter of the outlet 208 may be larger than the diameter of the inlet 206 by a different factor (e.g., 1.5 ⁇ , 2.5 ⁇ , etc.).
- the cross-sectional area and/or opening size of the fluid passageway 204 of the example noise attenuator 100 may be substantially constant.
- the plates 212 - 218 have different diameters that substantially correspond to the diameter of the tapered portion 234 at which the plates 212 - 218 are positioned.
- the fourth plate 218 is closest to the outlet 208 of the fluid passageway 204 and has a larger diameter than the diameter of the third plate 216 , which has a larger diameter than the diameters of the first and second plates 212 , 214 .
- the diameters of the first and second plates 212 , 214 are substantially the same.
- a gap is formed between the cylindrical wall 226 and the wall 202 and between the second plate 214 and the wall 202 .
- the second plate 214 has a larger diameter than the first plate 212 and may be closer the wall 202 .
- the noise attenuator 100 reduces audible noise caused by high energy fluid flowing through a fluid passageway of a process control device (e.g., the fluid regulator 102 of FIG. 1 ) and/or the fluid passageway 204 of the noise attenuator 100 of a fluid regulator assembly (e.g., the fluid regulator assembly 104 of FIG. 1 ).
- a process control device e.g., the fluid regulator 102 of FIG. 1
- a fluid regulator assembly e.g., the fluid regulator assembly 104 of FIG. 1
- an outlet e.g., the regulator outlet 108 of FIG.
- the fluid flows through the noise-attenuation assembly 210 and/or gradually expands in the fluid passageway 204 to dissipate energy of the fluid and, thus, attenuate, reduce, abate and/or otherwise suppress audible noise.
- the pressure and/or velocity of the fluid is reduced, thereby providing a staged or incremental reduction or dissipation of energy of the fluid exiting the regulator.
- the example noise-attenuation assembly 210 includes a central support rod 236 .
- the plates 212 - 218 are coupled to and spaced along the central support rod 236 in the fluid passageway 204 .
- the central support rod 236 disposes the plates 212 - 218 in the respective, first, second, third and fourth positions in the fluid passageway 204 .
- the central support rod 236 extends along (e.g., is aligned with) the central axis 220 (e.g., the longitudinal axis of the central support rod 236 is coincident with the central axis 220 ).
- the central support rod 236 extends through the centers of each of the plates 212 - 218 .
- each of the plates 212 - 218 has a central support rod opening 238 in the centers of the respective plates 212 - 218 .
- the central support rod 236 extends through the central support rod openings 238 in the plates 212 - 218 .
- the central support rod 236 is threaded or at least partially threaded (e.g., the portions upstream and/or downstream of each of the plates 212 - 218 are threaded).
- Threaded fasteners 240 e.g., nuts
- Threaded fasteners 240 engage the plates 212 - 218 and press (e.g., bias) the plates 212 - 218 against the wall 202 in the fluid passageway 204 to maintain a seal.
- the threaded fasteners 240 are disposed on the central support rod 236 on the downstream sides of the plates 212 - 218 (e.g., the sides facing the outlet 208 ), which keeps the plates 212 - 218 from being pushed downstream by the fluid flow.
- one or more fastener(s) may be implemented on the upstream sides of the plates 212 - 218 (e.g., the sides facing the inlet 206 ) to retain the plates 212 - 218 in their positions.
- the plates 212 - 218 may be coupled to the central support rod 236 via other chemical and/or mechanical fastening techniques.
- one or more of the plates 212 - 218 may be welded to the central support rod 236 .
- the example noise-attenuation assembly 210 includes one or more support rods 242 (e.g., secondary support rods, auxiliary support rods) coupled between adjacent ones of the plates 212 - 218 .
- support rods 242 e.g., secondary support rods, auxiliary support rods
- a first set 244 of the support rods 242 are coupled between the first and second plates 212 , 214 ; a second set 246 of the support rods 242 are coupled between the second and third plates 214 , 216 ; and a third set 248 of the support rods 242 are coupled between the third and fourth plates 216 , 218 .
- the support rods 242 are coupled to (e.g., positioned at) or near the peripheral portions 222 of the plates 212 - 218 .
- the support rods 242 distribute the support load along the peripheral or outer areas of the plates 212 - 218 .
- the plates 212 - 218 are subjected to less bending and stress because the loads are distributed more evenly across the respective plates 212 - 218 .
- the support rods 242 extend through support rod openings 250 in the plates and threaded fasteners 252 (e.g., nuts) are coupled to or near ends of the support rods 242 .
- threaded fasteners 252 e.g., nuts
- the ends of the support rods 242 extend through the respective plates 212 - 218 .
- only the ends of the support rods 242 are threaded.
- the entire length of the support rods 242 may be threaded.
- the support rod openings 250 in each of the plates 212 - 218 align with the support rod openings 250 in the previous and/or subsequent plates 212 - 218 .
- the support rod openings 250 in the first plate 212 for the first set 244 of the support rods 242 align with the corresponding support rod openings 250 in the second plate 214 for the first set 244 of the support rods 242 .
- the support rod openings 250 in the second plate 214 for the second set 246 of the support rods 242 align with the corresponding support rod openings 250 in the third plate 216 for the second set 246 of the support rods 242 , and so forth.
- the openings 224 may be implemented as the support rod openings 250 .
- the support rods 242 are aligned or oriented along axes that are parallel to and offset from the central axis 220 (e.g., the longitudinal axis of the central support rod 236 ) in the fluid passageway 204 .
- the central axis 220 e.g., the longitudinal axis of the central support rod 236
- an axis 249 of one of the support rods 242 of the first set 244 is illustrated in FIG. 2A .
- the support rod 242 extends along the axis 249 , which is parallel to and offset from the central axis 220 .
- the support rods 242 are oriented substantially parallel to and spaced from the central support rod 236 .
- the support rods 242 extend perpendicularly relative to the plates 212 - 218 , which increases an amount of structural support provided by the support rods 242 to the plates 212 - 218 .
- the support rods 242 have a relatively small diameter (e.g., a diameter smaller than the central support rod 236 ). As a result, the support rods 242 cause minimal interference with the flow of fluid through the fluid passageway 204 .
- the threaded fasteners 252 coupled to the first set 244 of the support rods 242 are coupled to the ends of the first set 244 of the support rods 242 on the upstream side of the first plate 212 (i.e., the side of the first plate 212 facing upstream or toward the inlet 206 ) and the downstream side of the second plate 214 (i.e., the side of the second plate 214 facing downstream or toward the outlet 208 ).
- the support rods 242 of the first set 244 transfer bending forces or stresses in the second plate 214 to the first plate 212 and prevent or substantially reduce bending or moving of the second plate 214 (e.g., the peripheral portion 222 ) toward the outlet 208 by the fluid flowing through the fluid passageway 204 .
- the threaded fasteners 252 coupled to the second set 246 of the support rods 242 are coupled to the ends of the second set 246 of the support rods 242 on the upstream side of the second plate 214 and the downstream side of the third plate 216 .
- the support rods 242 of the second set 246 transfer bending forces or stresses in the third plate 216 to the second plate 214 and prevent or substantially reduce bending of the third plate 216 toward the outlet 208 .
- the threaded fasteners 252 coupled to the third set 248 of the support rods 242 are coupled to the ends of the third set 248 of the support rods 242 on the upstream side of the third plate 216 and the downstream side of the fourth plate 218 .
- the support rods 242 of the third set 248 transfer bending forces or stresses in the fourth plate 218 to the third plate 216 and prevent or substantially reduce bending of the fourth plate 218 toward the outlet 208 .
- the support rods 242 may be coupled to the plates 212 - 218 via other chemical and/or mechanical fastening techniques.
- the central support rod 236 and/or the support rods 242 fixedly position the plates 212 - 218 in the respective, first, second, third and fourth positions in the fluid passageway 204 .
- the support rods 242 of the first set 244 are offset from the support rods 242 of the second set 246 , which are offset from the support rods 242 of the third set 248 .
- the support rods 242 between the first and second plates 212 , 214 (the first set 244 ) are aligned along axes that are offset from the axes of the support rods 242 between the second and third plates 214 , 216 (the second set 246 ); and the axes of the support rods 242 between the second and third plates 214 , 216 (the second set 246 ) are offset from the axes of the support rods 242 between the third and fourth plates 216 , 218 (the third set 248 ).
- the peripheral portion 222 of the first plate 212 is coupled to the wall 202 of the fluid passageway 204 .
- a peripheral edge 254 e.g., an outer edge
- a ledge 256 e.g., a lip
- the first plate 212 may be coupled to the wall 202 of the fluid passageway 204 via other chemical and/or mechanical fastening techniques.
- the peripheral edge 254 of the first plate 212 may be welded to the wall 202 of the fluid passageway 204 .
- the first, second and third sets 244 , 246 , 248 of the support rods 242 are arranged in patterns around the central axis 220 (e.g., around the central support rod 236 ).
- the support rods 242 of the first set 242 are located equidistantly about the peripheral portion 222 of the first plate 212 (e.g., in a ring-shaped pattern), which improves distribution of stresses and/or strains throughout the first plate 212 .
- the support rods 242 of the first set 244 are spaced apart equidistantly from each other by about 60 degrees relative the central axis 220 of the fluid passageway 204 along the peripheral portion 222 of the first plate 212 .
- the positioning of the support rods 242 deters and/or prevents the peripheral portion 222 from bending, deforming, rotating and/or otherwise moving away from the wall 202 when a force is applied from fluid flow and, thus, maintains an amount of noise attenuation (e.g., noise reduction, noise abatement, noise suppression) provided by the noise-attenuation assembly 210 of the noise attenuator 100 .
- noise attenuation e.g., noise reduction, noise abatement, noise suppression
- the support rods 242 are non-equidistantly spaced and/or are spaced apart by angles greater than or less than 60 degrees. In other words, the support rods 242 of the first set 244 may be closer to or further from each other and/or the central axis 220 . In other examples, the support rods 242 may be arranged in other patterns or configurations and/or otherwise disposed in different locations. For example, the support rods 242 of the first set 244 may be disposed in a pattern of multiple rings around the central axis 220 . As another example, the support rods 242 of the first set 244 may be arranged in a matrix configuration of rows and columns.
- the first set 244 includes six of the support rods 242 .
- the first set 244 may include more (e.g., 7, 8, 9, etc.) or fewer (e.g., 5, 4, 3, etc.) support rods.
- only one support rod is coupled between the first and second plates 212 , 214 .
- the central support rod 236 (e.g., a first support rod) may extend along the central axis 220 and be coupled to the first and second plates 212 , 214
- a second support rod (e.g., one of the support rods 242 ) may extend along an axis parallel to and offset from the central axis 220 and be coupled to the first and second plates 212 , 214 .
- the additional support rod 242 transfers bending forces or stresses to the first plate 212 and prevents or substantially reduces bending or deforming of the peripheral portion 222 of the second plate 214 .
- the second set 246 and the third set 248 of the rods 242 are likewise equidistantly arranged about the central axis 220 .
- the support rods 242 of the second set 246 and/or the third set 248 may be disposed in other patterns, further or closer to the central axis 220 (e.g., the central support rod 236 ) and/or otherwise disposed in other locations.
- Each of the sets 244 , 246 , 248 may include the same or a different number of the support rods 242 .
- the support rods 242 may extend between two of the plates 212 - 218 , in other examples, one or more of the support rods 242 may extend through and couple to more than two of the plates 212 - 218 .
- one of the support rods 242 may be coupled to the first, second and third plates 212 , 214 , 216 .
- the noise-attenuation assembly 210 may include only two plates such as the third and fourth plates 216 , 218 . In other examples, the noise-attenuation assembly 210 may include more than four plates.
- the example noise-attenuation assembly 210 may be manufactured via metal printing, for example.
- the plates 212 - 218 , the central support rod 236 , the support rods 242 , etc. may be printed as a substantially unitary piece or component, which results in less assembly time.
- the plates 212 - 218 , the central support rod 236 , the support rods 242 , etc. may be printed as multiple pieces and assembled via chemical and/or mechanical fastening techniques.
- the area around each of the support rod openings 238 is thickened to add strength to the plates 212 - 218 where the support rods 242 are connected to the plates 212 - 218 .
- the plates 212 - 218 may be printed onto machine components to increase strength.
- the plates 212 - 218 may be constructed via laser cutting to form the hole patterns (e.g., the openings 224 , the central support rod openings 238 and/or the support rod openings 250 ). In some examples, laser cutting greatly reduces setup, tooling and machining time.
- the second, third and fourth plates 214 , 216 , 218 may be assembled with the central support rod 236 and the first, second and third sets 244 , 246 , 248 of the support rods 242 .
- the first plate 212 may be inserted into the fluid passageway 204 from the inlet 206 and engaged with the ledge 256 .
- the assembled second, third and fourth plates 214 , 216 , 218 may be inserted into the fluid passageway 204 via the outlet 208 .
- the support rods 242 of the first set 244 and the central support rod 236 may be inserted through the respective openings in the first plate 212 .
- Fasteners e.g., the threaded fasteners 240 , 252
- the threaded fasteners 240 , 252 may then be threadably coupled to the ends of the central support rod 236 and the support rods 242 of the first set 244 .
- the noise-attenuation assembly 210 may be assembled in other sequences or manners.
- an end 258 (e.g., the upstream end) of the central support rod 236 is threaded.
- the central support rod 236 may be threadably coupled to a component in an outlet of a process control device.
- the end 258 of the central support rod 236 may be threadably coupled to a pad retainer 260 in the regulator outlet 108 of the fluid regulator 102 ( FIG. 1 ).
- the noise attenuator 100 may be coupled to a process control device or any other upstream fluid support source (e.g., a pipe) via other chemical and/or mechanical fastening techniques.
- FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate another example noise attenuator 300 constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.
- FIG. 3A is a perspective cross-sectional view of the example noise attenuator 300
- FIG. 3B is a side cross-sectional view of the example noise attenuator 300 as coupled to the regulator outlet 108 of the fluid regulator 102 ( FIG. 1 ).
- the example noise attenuator 300 of FIGS. 3A and 3B may be implemented with any process control device (e.g., the fluid regulator 102 of FIG. 1 ) to reduce the noise of fluid exiting the process control device.
- the example noise attenuator 300 includes a body 302 with a wall 304 (e.g., an inner wall) defining a fluid passageway 306 between an inlet 308 and an outlet 310 and a noise-attenuation assembly 312 (e.g., a noise-abatement assembly) disposed in the fluid passageway 306 .
- the noise-attenuation assembly 312 includes a first plate 314 , a second plate 316 , a third plate 318 and a fourth plate 320 coupled to a central support rod 322 and disposed in the fluid passageway 306 between the inlet 308 and the outlet 310 of the noise attenuator 300 .
- the noise-attenuation assembly 312 may include more or fewer plates (e.g., one plate, two plates, five plates, eight plates, etc.).
- the central support rod 322 is disposed along a central axis 324 of the fluid passageway 306 , and the first, second, third and fourth plates 314 , 316 , 318 , 320 (referred to herein as “the plates 314 - 320 ”) are spaced apart from each other along the central axis 324 (e.g., a longitudinal axis) of the fluid passageway 306 .
- the central support rod 322 disposes the first plate 314 in a first position in the fluid passageway 306 , the second plate 316 in a second position in the fluid passageway 306 downstream of the first position, the third plate 318 in a third position in the fluid passageway 306 downstream of the second position, and the fourth plate 320 in a fourth position in the fluid passageway 306 downstream of the third position.
- the fluid passageway 306 of the noise attenuator 300 of FIGS. 3A and 3B includes a tapered portion 326 that expands or increases between the inlet 308 and the outlet 310 .
- the plates 314 - 320 may have different diameters than each other (e.g., the diameter of the fourth plate 320 may be larger than the diameter of the third plate 318 , and so forth).
- Each of the plates 314 - 320 has a peripheral portion 328 (e.g., an outer edge or area near the outer edge of the plates 314 - 320 ) that is adjacent and/or engages a portion of the wall 304 (e.g., the tapered portion 326 ) defining the fluid passageway 306 .
- the peripheral portions 328 of the third and fourth plates 318 , 320 are engaged with the wall 304 of the fluid passageway 306 .
- Each of the plates 314 - 320 includes openings 330 (e.g., apertures, perforations, etc.) that define fluid pathways through the plates 314 - 320 and, thus, through the fluid passageway 306 .
- the first and second plates 314 , 316 form a cavity 332 (e.g., a spring barrel similar to the spring barrel (e.g., the cavity 228 ) described in connection with FIGS. 2A and 2B ).
- the noise reducing effect(s) achieved by the tapered portion 326 , the openings 330 in the plates 314 - 320 and the cavity 332 are similar to the effect(s) created by the corresponding features in the noise attenuator 100 of FIGS. 2A and 2B and are not repeated again herein.
- the central support rod 322 of FIGS. 3A and 3B extends through central rod openings 334 in the plates 314 - 320 .
- Threaded fasteners 336 e.g., nuts threadably couple to the central support rod 322 to retain the plates 314 - 320 in their respective positions in the fluid passageway 306 , similar to the threaded fasteners 240 described in connection with FIGS. 2A and 2B .
- one or more of the plates 314 - 320 may be curved.
- the third plate 318 e.g., a concave plate
- the third plate 318 is curved such that a concave side 338 of the third plate 318 faces upstream (toward the inlet 308 ) and a convex side 340 of the third plate 318 faces downstream (toward the outlet 310 ).
- the third plate 318 is pre-loaded or formed in a direction against the flow of fluid and, therefore, the third plate 318 is shaped to resist stresses or loads on the third plate 318 that may otherwise cause the peripheral portion 328 of the third plate 318 to bend or move towards the downstream direction.
- an outer edge 342 of the third plate 318 is engaged with the wall 304 (e.g., along the tapered portion 326 ).
- the diameter of the third plate 318 in a flattened configuration e.g., an effective diameter
- an arc length along a cross-section of the third plate 318 e.g., the cross-sectioned arc seen in FIG.
- the diameter or flow area of the third plate 318 increases more than the diameter or flow area of the fluid passageway 306 , thereby pressing the peripheral edge 328 of the third plate 318 into the wall 304 and, thus, maintains engagement with the wall 304 of the fluid passageway 306 .
- This interaction causes relatively high normal forces between the wall 304 and the third plate 318 , and the friction between the peripheral edge 328 of the third plate 318 and the wall 304 transfers at least part of the load away from the center support rod 322 .
- the third plate 318 is not subjected to high stresses at or near the center of the plate as seen in prior noise attenuators. Also, the third plate 318 is prevented from bending or deforming in the downstream direction as seen in prior noise attenuators and, thus, does not suffer from such drawbacks.
- the fourth plate 320 is curved similar to the third plate 318 .
- the arc or radius of curvature of the third plate 318 and the fourth plate 320 is substantially the same. In other examples, the arc or radius of curvature may be different.
- the first plate 314 and/or the second plate 316 are likewise curved.
- only one plate e.g., the third plate 318
- one or more support rods may be coupled between two or more of the plates 314 - 320 to further reduce bending or deformation of the plates 314 - 320 .
Abstract
Example noise attenuators for use with process control devices are described herein. An example apparatus includes a first plate and a second plate disposed in a fluid passageway of a noise attenuator. The second plate is spaced apart from the first plate. The example apparatus also includes a first support rod extending along a central axis of the fluid passageway. The first support rod is coupled to the first plate and to the second plate. The example apparatus further includes a second support rod extending along an axis parallel to and offset from the central axis. The second support rod is coupled to the first plate and the second plate.
Description
- This disclosure relates generally to noise attenuators and, more particularly, to noise attenuators for use with process control devices.
- Fluid valves, regulators and other process control devices are commonly distributed throughout process control systems and/or fluid distribution systems to control flow rates and/or pressures of various fluids (e.g., liquids, gases, etc.). Process control devices may be used to change a characteristic of a fluid such as a pressure, a temperature, a flow rate, etc. This change in a characteristic of the fluid often causes a significant amount of audible noise. For instance, fluid regulators are typically used to reduce and/or regulate a pressure of fluid to a predetermined value. Some fluid regulators reduce an inlet pressure to a lower outlet pressure by restricting flow through an orifice to match a downstream demand. However, fluid flowing through the pressure regulators creates a significant amount of audible noise.
- An example apparatus disclosed herein includes a first plate and a second plate disposed in a fluid passageway of a noise attenuator. The second plate is spaced apart from the first plate. The example apparatus also includes a first support rod extending along a central axis of the fluid passageway. The first support rod is coupled to the first plate and to the second plate. The example apparatus further includes a second support rod extending along an axis parallel to and offset from the central axis. The second support rod is coupled to the first plate and the second plate.
- Another example apparatus disclosed herein includes a first plate, a second plate and a third plate spaced apart from each other in a fluid passageway of a noise attenuator, a first set of support rods coupled between the first plate and the second plate and a second set of support rods coupled between the second plate and the third plate. The support rods of the second set are aligned along respective axes offset from the support rods of the first set.
- Another example apparatus disclosed herein includes a first plate and a second plate disposed in a fluid passageway of a noise attenuator. The second plate is spaced apart from the first plate. The example apparatus also includes a first support rod extending through centers of the first and second plates. The first and second plates are coupled to the first support rod. The example apparatus further includes a second support rod coupled to peripheral portions of the first and second plates. The second support rod is parallel to and spaced apart from the first support rod.
- Another example apparatus disclosed herein includes a noise attenuator body having a fluid passageway between and inlet and an outlet, a support rod extending along a central axis of the fluid passageway and a plate coupled to the support rod and disposed in the fluid passageway. The plate is curved such that a concave side of the plate faces the inlet.
-
FIG. 1 is a side view of an example noise attenuator implemented in an example regulator assembly and constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. -
FIG. 2A is a perspective cross-sectional view of the example noise attenuator ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 2B is a side cross-sectional view of the example noise attenuator ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3A is a perspective cross-sectional view of another example noise attenuator constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. -
FIG. 3B is a side cross-sectional view of the example noise attenuator ofFIG. 3A . - Certain examples are shown in the above-identified figures and described in detail below. In describing these examples, like or identical reference numbers are used to identify the same or similar elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic for clarity and/or conciseness. Additionally, several examples have been described throughout this specification. Any features from any example may be included with, a replacement for, or otherwise combined with other features from other examples.
- Many known process control and/or fluid distribution systems (e.g., power generation systems, petroleum refinery systems, etc.) employ process control devices or field devices to affect the flow of fluid. For example, pressure regulators are used to control flow rates and/or pressures of various fluids (e.g., liquids, gases, etc.). For instance, fluid regulators may be utilized within process control and/or fluid distribution systems to reduce and/or regulate a fluid pressure to a substantially constant value. Known pressure regulators include an inlet that receives fluid from a source at a relatively high pressure and an outlet that provides fluid to downstream equipment at a relatively lower pressure than that of the inlet. The inlet pressure of some known pressure regulators is reduced to a lower outlet pressure by restricting flow through an orifice to match a downstream demand. For example, known pressure regulators of process control and/or fluid distribution systems receive fluid (e.g., gas, liquid) having a relatively high and somewhat variable pressure from an upstream source and regulate the fluid flow to reduce and/or stabilize the pressure to a level suitable for use by downstream equipment (e.g., equipment of a power generator, a petroleum refiner, etc.).
- In some instances, the process control devices affect the flow of fluid in a manner that creates audible noise. For example, pressure regulators produce a substantial decrease in pressure or flow rate of the fluid, which, in turn, creates a significant amount of audible noise (e.g., greater than about 85 decibels). Pressure regulators may employ noise attenuators or noise-reduction devices to reduce the level of audible noise created by the fluid flowing through the pressure regulator.
- Example noise attenuators described herein include a series of plates or discs disposed in a fluid passageway to induce pressure drops along a flow path through the fluid passageway. The plates include openings (e.g., holes, apertures) that define fluid flow paths through the plates and, thus, through the fluid passageway. As the fluid passes through each of the plates, the pressure of the fluid is incrementally reduced (e.g., by a discrete amount, by a percentage of the previous fluid pressure) along a flow path. The pressure drops induced by the plates result in a corresponding reduction or attenuation of noise (e.g., by a discrete decibel level, by a percentage of the decibel level otherwise produced by the pressure regulator).
- Some known noise attenuators include a central rod that extends along a center of the passageway and is coupled to each of the plates to support the plates in the fluid passageway. The central rod extends through the centers of the plates and holds the plates in a perpendicular orientation relative to the flow path. However, fluid flowing through the noise attenuator applies a force on peripheral portions of the plates. This force creates a high bending stress at or near the center of each of the plates where the plate is supported by the central rod. If the pressure drop across a plate increases beyond a threshold, the plate may yield. This force, especially with higher pressure drops and/or flow rates, also causes the peripheral portions to bend, deflect, rotate and/or otherwise move away from a wall of the fluid passageway (e.g., in a downstream direction), thereby reducing an amount of noise attenuation provided by the plates. Some known noise attenuators utilize two of the plates to form a spring barrel containing a plurality of springs to reduce noise. If the plates are moved or bent away from their original position, the springs may become dislodged and travel down the fluid passageway (and, in some instances, around the downstream plates that are also bent or moved away from the wall of the passageway). The springs can cause significant damage and/or negatively affect any downstream devices or equipment.
- Disclosed herein are example noise attenuators having a central support rod and one or more additional support rods (e.g., secondary or auxiliary support rods) coupled between adjacent plates to increase the support provided to the plates. The additional rods reduce or eliminate bending and deforming in the plates while maintaining an amount of noise attenuation provided by the plates. The example noise attenuators reduce unacceptable high noise levels (e.g., greater than about 85 decibels) produced by process control devices (e.g., pressure regulators) in fluid communication with the example noise attenuators to more acceptable low noise levels (e.g., less than about 85 decibels).
- An example noise attenuator disclosed herein includes a body having a fluid passageway between an inlet and an outlet. The example noise attenuator includes plates (e.g., attenuators, suppressors, etc.) disposed in the fluid passageway and spaced apart from each other along the fluid passageway (e.g., along a central axis of the fluid passageway). A central support rod extends along a central axis of the passageway and is coupled to each of the plates. To increase the structural support of the plates, the example noise attenuator includes support rods coupled between adjacent plates that are offset or spaced apart from the central support rod. The support rods may be positioned at or near peripheral portions (e.g., a first peripheral portion, a second peripheral portion) of the respective plates. Thus, the load generated in each plate (e.g., near the peripheral portions) is transferred to the previous or upstream plate.
- For example, a first set of support rods may be coupled between a first plate and a second plate that is downstream of the first plate. The first set of support rods are parallel to and spaced apart from central support rod. The first set of support rods may be coupled to the first and second plates at or near peripheral portions of the first and second plates (e.g., closer to a peripheral edge of the first and second plates than the central support rod). As a result, bending forces or stresses induced in the second plate are transferred (via the first set of support rods) to the first plate. In some examples, the peripheral portion (e.g., an outer edge) of the first plate is coupled to the wall of the passageway. For example, the peripheral portion (e.g., at or near an outer edge of the first plate) may be engaged with a ledge formed in the wall of the passageway. The ledge prevents the peripheral portion of the first plate from moving or bending in the downstream direction. Thus, the load generated by the second plate (and/or subsequent plates) is transferred back to the first plate and distributed to the ledge of the wall in the passageway. In some examples, relatively thin or narrow support rods may be implemented, which have a minimal impact on the flow area.
- In some examples, the noise attenuator includes a third plate downstream of the second plate, and a second set of support rods is coupled between the second plate and the third plate. The second set of support rods may be positioned at or near peripheral portions of the second and third plates. Thus, the first set of support rods extend between the first and second plates, and the second set of support rods extend between the second and third plates. As a result, bending forces or stresses induced in the third plate are transferred (via the second set of support rods) back to the second plate and, thus, and transferred back to the first plate as described above. In some examples, the second set of support rods are aligned or oriented along axes that are offset from the first set of support rods. Some example noise attenuators include more than three plates. Similar to the first and second sets of support rods, each set of support rods may be offset from the support rods of the previous and/or subsequent sets (e.g., upstream and downstream). In other examples, one or more of the support rods may extend between more than two plates.
- Because the example support rods disclosed herein are coupled between adjacent plates and spaced apart from the central support rod (e.g., the support rods are coupled to the peripheral portions of the respective plates), the support rods deter and/or prevent the peripheral portions of the plates from bending and/or deforming away from the wall of the fluid passageway when forces are applied to the peripheral portions as a result of fluid flowing through the fluid passageway. Thus, the support rods increase and/or maintain an amount of noise attenuation provided by the plates. In some examples, the support rods are spaced equidistantly around the peripheral portions of the plates to more evenly distribute stress and/or strain in the plates that result from the fluid flow acting on the plates and, thus, reduce a likelihood of the plates breaking, bending, and/or otherwise failing over time. In some examples, the support rods are arranged in a pattern or equidistant arrangement (e.g., a ring around the central support rod, a matrix of rows and columns, etc.) around the plates.
- In some examples, the support rods extend through openings defined in the plates to couple the plates together. For example, a first set of support rods may extend through openings in a first plate and through openings in a second plate downstream of the first plate. The openings of the first and second plates align, which enables the support rods to extend in a direction parallel to the central axis of the fluid passageway (e.g., parallel to the central support rod) and further increase the structural support the support rods provide to the plates. In some examples, the support rods are threaded, and threaded fasteners (e.g., nuts) are coupled to the support rods to maintain the plates in position. For example, an end of one of the support rods may extend through the second plate, and a threaded fastener may be threadably coupled to the end of the support rod on a side of the second plate facing downstream (e.g., toward the outlet) in the fluid passageway. In some examples, the opposite end of the support rod extends through the first plate, and a threaded fastener may be threadably coupled to the support rod on a side of the first plate that facing upstream (e.g., toward the inlet) in the fluid passageway. As such, bending forces or stresses in the second plate (acting in the downstream direction) are transferred, via the support rod, to the first plate. This example arrangement may likewise be implemented with any subsequent plates downstream of the second plate.
- In some examples, the fluid passageway tapers outwardly (e.g., diverges) toward the outlet of fluid passageway to reduce fluid pressure within the fluid passageway and, thus, increase noise attenuation produced by the noise attenuator. In some examples, to enable the plates to be positioned along the fluid passageway and adjacent the tapered wall of the fluid passageway, the plates have different diameters such that a plate closer to the outlet has a larger diameter than a plate further from the outlet.
- Also disclosed herein are example noise attenuators having one or more curved plates (e.g., concave plates). An example noise attenuator includes a plate disposed in a passageway between an inlet and an outlet. A central support rod extends along a central axis of the fluid passageway and is coupled to the plate to retain the plate in the fluid passageway. The plate is curved such that a concave side of the plate faces the inlet (e.g., upstream) and a convex side of the plate faces the outlet (e.g., downstream). As such, the peripheral portions of the plate are biased or preloaded toward the upstream direction. Thus, any bending forces or stresses acting on the plate have minimal effect on the plate. In some examples, an outer edge of the curved plate is engaged with a wall of the passageway. In some examples, a diameter of the plate in a flattened orientation (e.g., an effective diameter) is larger than a diameter of the fluid passageway. As a result, if the fluid flow induces forces on the peripheral portion of the plate, the outer edge of the plate is pressed into engagement with the wall of the fluid passageway, thereby preventing any bending or movement of the plate. Further, at least part of the load is transferred away from the central support rod and to the wall of the fluid passageway. In some examples, two curved plates are implemented. In some examples, the curved plates are implemented with the support rods disclosed above. The example noise attenuators disclosed herein achieve increased structural integrity. Thus, the example noise attenuators can be used in process control and/or fluid distribution systems having relatively high flow rates or pressures.
- The example noise attenuators disclosed herein may be coupled to an outlet of a process control device, such a pressure regulator, to reduce or suppress the noise created by the flow of fluid through the process control device. In some examples, the example noise attenuators are integrated into the process control device (e.g., within a housing or body of the process control device). For example, the example noise attenuators may replace an outlet flange of a pressure regulator. In other examples, the noise attenuators may be separate from the process control device that created the audible noise and/or otherwise disposed downstream of the process control device.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates anexample noise attenuator 100 constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. Theexample noise attenuator 100 may be used to reduce noise levels in a process control system and/or fluid distribution system. Theexample noise attenuator 100 may be coupled to, for example, an outlet of a process control device to reduce the noise created by the flow of fluid exiting the process control device. In the illustrated example ofFIG. 1 , thenoise attenuator 100 is coupled to a fluid regulator 102 (e.g., a pressure regulator) as part of afluid regulator assembly 104. However, in other examples, thenoise attenuator 100 may be coupled to and/or otherwise integrated with any other type of process control device (e.g., a valve) and/or any other device that changes a characteristic of a fluid and creates noise. In the illustrated example, thefluid regulator assembly 104 is to process a fluid (e.g., natural gas, air, propane, nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, etc.) through a passageway of thefluid regulator 102 between aregulator inlet 106 and aregulator outlet 108. Theregulator inlet 106 of the illustrated example is capable of receiving a fluid at a relatively high pressure (e.g., between approximately 1200 psi and 1800 psi) from an upstream source and reduces the pressure of the fluid at the regulator outlet 108 (e.g., down to about 10 psi) based on a predetermined or preset setting. Due to relatively large pressure drops of the fluid as the fluid flows between theregulator inlet 106 and theregulator outlet 108 and/or relatively high velocity fluid flow rate of the fluid exiting theregulator outlet 108, the fluid may generate unacceptable noise levels (e.g., greater than 85 decibels). Theexample noise attenuator 100 is in fluid communication with theregulator outlet 108 and reduces the noise levels produced by thefluid regulator 102 to an acceptable noise level (e.g., lower than 85 decibels). The fluid exits theregulator outlet 108 and flows through thenoise attenuator 100 to a downstream source (e.g., a pipe). -
FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate cross-sectional views of theexample noise attenuator 100. In particular,FIG. 2A is a perspective cross-sectional view of theexample noise attenuator 100 andFIG. 2B is a side cross-sectional view of theexample noise attenuator 100 as coupled to theregulator outlet 108. In the illustrated example ofFIGS. 2A and 2B , thenoise attenuator 100 includes abody 200 with a wall 202 (e.g., an inner wall) defining afluid passageway 204 between aninlet 206 and anoutlet 208 and a noise-attenuation assembly 210 (e.g., a noise-abatement assembly) disposed in thefluid passageway 204. The noise-attenuation assembly 210 includes one or more structure(s) to reduce noise of fluid flowing through thefluid passageway 204. In the illustrated example, the noise-attenuation assembly 210 includes a first plate 212 (e.g., a noise attenuator or suppressor), asecond plate 214, athird plate 216 and afourth plate 218 disposed in thefluid passageway 204 between theinlet 206 and theoutlet 208. In other examples, the noise-attenuation assembly 210 may include more or fewer plates (e.g., one plate, two plates, five plates, eight plates, etc.). In some examples, the first, second, third and/orfourth plates fourth plates - In the illustrated example, the first, second, third and
fourth plates fluid passageway 204. Thefirst plate 212 is disposed in a first position in thefluid passageway 204, thesecond plate 214 is disposed in a second position in thefluid passageway 204 downstream of the first position, thethird plate 216 is disposed in a third position in thefluid passageway 204 downstream of the second position, and thefourth plate 218 is disposed in a fourth position in thefluid passageway 204 downstream of the third position. In the illustrated example, the plates 212-218 are perpendicular to thecentral axis 220 of thefluid passageway 204. Each of the plates 212-218 has a peripheral portion 222 (e.g., an outer edge or area near the outer edge of the plates 212-218) that is adjacent and/or engages a portion of thewall 202 defining thefluid passageway 204. The distances between adjacent ones of the plates 212-218 may be the same distance or different distances. For example, the distance between the first andsecond plates fourth plates - As illustrated in
FIG. 2A , the plates 212-218 include openings 224 (e.g., apertures, perforations, etc.) that define fluid pathways through the plates 212-218 and, thus, through thefluid passageway 204. In the illustrated example, theopenings 224 are arranged in a continuous or repeating pattern in which theopenings 224 are equidistant from each other. In other examples, theopenings 224 may be disposed in other configurations. Fluid is to flow from an upstream source (e.g., from the regulator outlet 108) into theinlet 206, through the plates 212-218 in thefluid passageway 204, and through theoutlet 208 to a downstream source (e.g., a pipe). The plates 212-218 induce incremental pressure drops in the flowing fluid, which slows the fluid and reduces noise caused by the flowing fluid. - In the illustrated example of
FIGS. 2A and 2B , thefirst plate 212 and thesecond plate 214 form a spring barrel. In particular, thefirst plate 212 and thesecond plate 214 are coupled by acylindrical wall 226 and define a cavity 228 (e.g., a barrel, a cage). As illustrated inFIG. 2A , thecylindrical wall 226 includes a plurality ofopenings 230 defining fluid pathways through thecylindrical wall 226. In the illustrated example, thecavity 228 houses one or more springs 232. Two springs 232 (e.g., coils) are depicted inFIG. 2A . However, any number of springs (e.g., hundreds or thousands) may be disposed within thecavity 228. In some examples, thesprings 232 are packed relatively tightly within thecavity 228, such that movement of thesprings 232 is minimal. Thesprings 232 form fluid pathways that slow the flow of fluid through thecavity 228 and reduce the noise of the flowing fluid. In other examples, different shaped structures (e.g., metal balls) may be disposed in thecavity 228 in addition to or as an alternative to thesprings 232. The combination of thesprings 232 disposed in thecavity 228, theopenings 224 in the plates 212-218 and theopenings 230 in thecylindrical wall 226 dissipate energy of fluid flowing through thefluid passageway 204 and, thus, reduce audible noise levels resulting from the process control device (e.g., the fluid regulator 102 (FIG. 1 )). In other examples, the first andsecond plates second plates - In the illustrated example of
FIGS. 2A and 2B , the plates 212-218 are disposed within a taperedportion 234 of thefluid passageway 204. A cross-section or an opening size (e.g., a diameter) of the taperedportion 234 expands or increases between theinlet 206 and theoutlet 208. In other words, at least a portion of the fluid passageway 204 (e.g., the tapered portion 234) is angled or tapered between theinlet 206 and theoutlet 208. This diverging shape of thefluid passageway 204 enables the fluid to expand and decrease in velocity to dissipate energy of the fluid flow and/or to reduce noise. In some examples, the diameter of theoutlet 208 is twice (or more than) the diameter of theinlet 206. In other example, the diameter of theoutlet 208 may be larger than the diameter of theinlet 206 by a different factor (e.g., 1.5×, 2.5×, etc.). In other examples, the cross-sectional area and/or opening size of thefluid passageway 204 of theexample noise attenuator 100 may be substantially constant. - To enable the plates 212-218 to engage and/or be adjacent the
wall 202 of the taperedportion 234, the plates 212-218 have different diameters that substantially correspond to the diameter of the taperedportion 234 at which the plates 212-218 are positioned. For example, thefourth plate 218 is closest to theoutlet 208 of thefluid passageway 204 and has a larger diameter than the diameter of thethird plate 216, which has a larger diameter than the diameters of the first andsecond plates second plates cylindrical wall 226 and thewall 202 and between thesecond plate 214 and thewall 202. In other examples, thesecond plate 214 has a larger diameter than thefirst plate 212 and may be closer thewall 202. - In operation, the
noise attenuator 100 reduces audible noise caused by high energy fluid flowing through a fluid passageway of a process control device (e.g., thefluid regulator 102 ofFIG. 1 ) and/or thefluid passageway 204 of thenoise attenuator 100 of a fluid regulator assembly (e.g., thefluid regulator assembly 104 ofFIG. 1 ). For example, as the fluid exits an outlet (e.g., theregulator outlet 108 ofFIG. 1 ) of a process control device and passes between theinlet 206 and theoutlet 208 of thenoise attenuator 100, the fluid flows through the noise-attenuation assembly 210 and/or gradually expands in thefluid passageway 204 to dissipate energy of the fluid and, thus, attenuate, reduce, abate and/or otherwise suppress audible noise. For example, as the fluid flows past each of the plates 212-218 and/or along the taperedportion 234 of thefluid passageway 204, the pressure and/or velocity of the fluid is reduced, thereby providing a staged or incremental reduction or dissipation of energy of the fluid exiting the regulator. - To position and space apart the plates 212-218 within the
fluid passageway 204, the example noise-attenuation assembly 210 includes acentral support rod 236. The plates 212-218 are coupled to and spaced along thecentral support rod 236 in thefluid passageway 204. Thecentral support rod 236 disposes the plates 212-218 in the respective, first, second, third and fourth positions in thefluid passageway 204. In the illustrated example, thecentral support rod 236 extends along (e.g., is aligned with) the central axis 220 (e.g., the longitudinal axis of thecentral support rod 236 is coincident with the central axis 220). In the illustrated example, thecentral support rod 236 extends through the centers of each of the plates 212-218. In particular, each of the plates 212-218 has a centralsupport rod opening 238 in the centers of the respective plates 212-218. Thecentral support rod 236 extends through the centralsupport rod openings 238 in the plates 212-218. - To couple the plates 212-218 to the
central support rod 236, thecentral support rod 236 is threaded or at least partially threaded (e.g., the portions upstream and/or downstream of each of the plates 212-218 are threaded). Threaded fasteners 240 (e.g., nuts) threadably couple to thecentral support rod 236 to retain the plates 212-218 in their respective positions in thefluid passageway 204. In some examples, the threadedfasteners 240 engage the plates 212-218 and press (e.g., bias) the plates 212-218 against thewall 202 in thefluid passageway 204 to maintain a seal. In the illustrated example, the threadedfasteners 240 are disposed on thecentral support rod 236 on the downstream sides of the plates 212-218 (e.g., the sides facing the outlet 208), which keeps the plates 212-218 from being pushed downstream by the fluid flow. In some examples, one or more fastener(s) may be implemented on the upstream sides of the plates 212-218 (e.g., the sides facing the inlet 206) to retain the plates 212-218 in their positions. Additionally or alternatively, in other examples, the plates 212-218 may be coupled to thecentral support rod 236 via other chemical and/or mechanical fastening techniques. For example, one or more of the plates 212-218 may be welded to thecentral support rod 236. - As mentioned above, as the pressure differential across the plates 212-218 increases, the forces acting on the plates 212-218 increase. In particular, bending forces or stresses are induced in the
peripheral portions 220 of the plates 212-218. To reduce bending and deformation of the plates 212-218, the example noise-attenuation assembly 210 includes one or more support rods 242 (e.g., secondary support rods, auxiliary support rods) coupled between adjacent ones of the plates 212-218. For example, afirst set 244 of thesupport rods 242 are coupled between the first andsecond plates second set 246 of thesupport rods 242 are coupled between the second andthird plates third set 248 of thesupport rods 242 are coupled between the third andfourth plates support rods 242 are coupled to (e.g., positioned at) or near theperipheral portions 222 of the plates 212-218. Thesupport rods 242 distribute the support load along the peripheral or outer areas of the plates 212-218. Thus, unlike known noise attenuators that only have a central support rod, the plates 212-218 are subjected to less bending and stress because the loads are distributed more evenly across the respective plates 212-218. - To couple the
support rods 242 to the plates 212-218, thesupport rods 242 extend throughsupport rod openings 250 in the plates and threaded fasteners 252 (e.g., nuts) are coupled to or near ends of thesupport rods 242. In other words, the ends of thesupport rods 242 extend through the respective plates 212-218. In some examples, only the ends of thesupport rods 242 are threaded. In other examples, the entire length of thesupport rods 242 may be threaded. Thesupport rod openings 250 in each of the plates 212-218 align with thesupport rod openings 250 in the previous and/or subsequent plates 212-218. For example, thesupport rod openings 250 in thefirst plate 212 for thefirst set 244 of thesupport rods 242 align with the correspondingsupport rod openings 250 in thesecond plate 214 for thefirst set 244 of thesupport rods 242. Additionally, thesupport rod openings 250 in thesecond plate 214 for thesecond set 246 of thesupport rods 242 align with the correspondingsupport rod openings 250 in thethird plate 216 for thesecond set 246 of thesupport rods 242, and so forth. In some examples, theopenings 224 may be implemented as thesupport rod openings 250. - In the illustrated example of
FIGS. 2A and 2B , thesupport rods 242 are aligned or oriented along axes that are parallel to and offset from the central axis 220 (e.g., the longitudinal axis of the central support rod 236) in thefluid passageway 204. For example, anaxis 249 of one of thesupport rods 242 of thefirst set 244 is illustrated inFIG. 2A . Thesupport rod 242 extends along theaxis 249, which is parallel to and offset from thecentral axis 220. As such, thesupport rods 242 are oriented substantially parallel to and spaced from thecentral support rod 236. In the illustrated example, thesupport rods 242 extend perpendicularly relative to the plates 212-218, which increases an amount of structural support provided by thesupport rods 242 to the plates 212-218. In some examples, thesupport rods 242 have a relatively small diameter (e.g., a diameter smaller than the central support rod 236). As a result, thesupport rods 242 cause minimal interference with the flow of fluid through thefluid passageway 204. - In the illustrated example, the threaded
fasteners 252 coupled to thefirst set 244 of thesupport rods 242 are coupled to the ends of thefirst set 244 of thesupport rods 242 on the upstream side of the first plate 212 (i.e., the side of thefirst plate 212 facing upstream or toward the inlet 206) and the downstream side of the second plate 214 (i.e., the side of thesecond plate 214 facing downstream or toward the outlet 208). In this manner, thesupport rods 242 of thefirst set 244 transfer bending forces or stresses in thesecond plate 214 to thefirst plate 212 and prevent or substantially reduce bending or moving of the second plate 214 (e.g., the peripheral portion 222) toward theoutlet 208 by the fluid flowing through thefluid passageway 204. Likewise, the threadedfasteners 252 coupled to thesecond set 246 of thesupport rods 242 are coupled to the ends of thesecond set 246 of thesupport rods 242 on the upstream side of thesecond plate 214 and the downstream side of thethird plate 216. Thus, thesupport rods 242 of thesecond set 246 transfer bending forces or stresses in thethird plate 216 to thesecond plate 214 and prevent or substantially reduce bending of thethird plate 216 toward theoutlet 208. Similarly, the threadedfasteners 252 coupled to thethird set 248 of thesupport rods 242 are coupled to the ends of thethird set 248 of thesupport rods 242 on the upstream side of thethird plate 216 and the downstream side of thefourth plate 218. Thus, thesupport rods 242 of thethird set 248 transfer bending forces or stresses in thefourth plate 218 to thethird plate 216 and prevent or substantially reduce bending of thefourth plate 218 toward theoutlet 208. Therefore, bending forces and stresses in each of the plates 212-218 are transferred to the previous plate and, thus, to the first plate 212 (e.g., the plate furthest upstream). Additionally or alternatively, in other examples, thesupport rods 242 may be coupled to the plates 212-218 via other chemical and/or mechanical fastening techniques. Thecentral support rod 236 and/or thesupport rods 242 fixedly position the plates 212-218 in the respective, first, second, third and fourth positions in thefluid passageway 204. - In the illustrated example of
FIGS. 2A and 2B , thesupport rods 242 of thefirst set 244 are offset from thesupport rods 242 of thesecond set 246, which are offset from thesupport rods 242 of thethird set 248. In other words, thesupport rods 242 between the first andsecond plates 212, 214 (the first set 244) are aligned along axes that are offset from the axes of thesupport rods 242 between the second andthird plates 214, 216 (the second set 246); and the axes of thesupport rods 242 between the second andthird plates 214, 216 (the second set 246) are offset from the axes of thesupport rods 242 between the third andfourth plates 216, 218 (the third set 248). - In some examples, to distribute the load generated in the
peripheral portion 222 of the first plate 212 (e.g., as caused by the downstream plates), theperipheral portion 222 of thefirst plate 212 is coupled to thewall 202 of thefluid passageway 204. For example, in the illustrated example ofFIGS. 2A and 2B , a peripheral edge 254 (e.g., an outer edge) or portion of thefirst plate 212 near theperipheral edge 254 is engaged with a ledge 256 (e.g., a lip) formed in thewall 202 of thefluid passageway 204. This engagement prevents theperipheral portion 222 of the first plate from bending or moving and distributes the load induced in thefirst plate 212 by the other plates and/or the flowing fluid. Additionally or alternatively, in other examples, thefirst plate 212 may be coupled to thewall 202 of thefluid passageway 204 via other chemical and/or mechanical fastening techniques. For example, theperipheral edge 254 of thefirst plate 212 may be welded to thewall 202 of thefluid passageway 204. - In the illustrated example, the first, second and
third sets support rods 242 are arranged in patterns around the central axis 220 (e.g., around the central support rod 236). In particular, as illustrated inFIG. 2A , thesupport rods 242 of thefirst set 242 are located equidistantly about theperipheral portion 222 of the first plate 212 (e.g., in a ring-shaped pattern), which improves distribution of stresses and/or strains throughout thefirst plate 212. For example, thesupport rods 242 of thefirst set 244 are spaced apart equidistantly from each other by about 60 degrees relative thecentral axis 220 of thefluid passageway 204 along theperipheral portion 222 of thefirst plate 212. The positioning of thesupport rods 242 deters and/or prevents theperipheral portion 222 from bending, deforming, rotating and/or otherwise moving away from thewall 202 when a force is applied from fluid flow and, thus, maintains an amount of noise attenuation (e.g., noise reduction, noise abatement, noise suppression) provided by the noise-attenuation assembly 210 of thenoise attenuator 100. In other examples, thesupport rods 242 are non-equidistantly spaced and/or are spaced apart by angles greater than or less than 60 degrees. In other words, thesupport rods 242 of thefirst set 244 may be closer to or further from each other and/or thecentral axis 220. In other examples, thesupport rods 242 may be arranged in other patterns or configurations and/or otherwise disposed in different locations. For example, thesupport rods 242 of thefirst set 244 may be disposed in a pattern of multiple rings around thecentral axis 220. As another example, thesupport rods 242 of thefirst set 244 may be arranged in a matrix configuration of rows and columns. - In the illustrated example, the
first set 244 includes six of thesupport rods 242. However, in other examples, thefirst set 244 may include more (e.g., 7, 8, 9, etc.) or fewer (e.g., 5, 4, 3, etc.) support rods. In some examples, only one support rod is coupled between the first andsecond plates central axis 220 and be coupled to the first andsecond plates central axis 220 and be coupled to the first andsecond plates additional support rod 242 transfers bending forces or stresses to thefirst plate 212 and prevents or substantially reduces bending or deforming of theperipheral portion 222 of thesecond plate 214. - As illustrated in
FIG. 2A , thesecond set 246 and thethird set 248 of therods 242 are likewise equidistantly arranged about thecentral axis 220. However, similar to thefirst set 244 disclosed above, in other examples, thesupport rods 242 of thesecond set 246 and/or thethird set 248 may be disposed in other patterns, further or closer to the central axis 220 (e.g., the central support rod 236) and/or otherwise disposed in other locations. Each of thesets support rods 242. - While in the illustrated example the
support rods 242 only extend between two of the plates 212-218, in other examples, one or more of thesupport rods 242 may extend through and couple to more than two of the plates 212-218. For example, one of thesupport rods 242 may be coupled to the first, second andthird plates attenuation assembly 210 may include only two plates such as the third andfourth plates attenuation assembly 210 may include more than four plates. - The example noise-
attenuation assembly 210 may be manufactured via metal printing, for example. The plates 212-218, thecentral support rod 236, thesupport rods 242, etc. may be printed as a substantially unitary piece or component, which results in less assembly time. In other examples, the plates 212-218, thecentral support rod 236, thesupport rods 242, etc. may be printed as multiple pieces and assembled via chemical and/or mechanical fastening techniques. In some examples, the area around each of thesupport rod openings 238 is thickened to add strength to the plates 212-218 where thesupport rods 242 are connected to the plates 212-218. In other examples, the plates 212-218 may be printed onto machine components to increase strength. In other examples, the plates 212-218 may be constructed via laser cutting to form the hole patterns (e.g., theopenings 224, the centralsupport rod openings 238 and/or the support rod openings 250). In some examples, laser cutting greatly reduces setup, tooling and machining time. - In some examples, to assemble the example noise-
attenuation assembly 210, the second, third andfourth plates central support rod 236 and the first, second andthird sets support rods 242. Thefirst plate 212 may be inserted into thefluid passageway 204 from theinlet 206 and engaged with theledge 256. The assembled second, third andfourth plates fluid passageway 204 via theoutlet 208. Thesupport rods 242 of thefirst set 244 and thecentral support rod 236 may be inserted through the respective openings in thefirst plate 212. Fasteners (e.g., the threadedfasteners 240, 252) may then be threadably coupled to the ends of thecentral support rod 236 and thesupport rods 242 of thefirst set 244. In other examples, the noise-attenuation assembly 210 may be assembled in other sequences or manners. - In the illustrated example of
FIG. 2A , an end 258 (e.g., the upstream end) of thecentral support rod 236 is threaded. Thecentral support rod 236 may be threadably coupled to a component in an outlet of a process control device. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 2B , theend 258 of thecentral support rod 236 may be threadably coupled to apad retainer 260 in theregulator outlet 108 of the fluid regulator 102 (FIG. 1 ). In other examples, thenoise attenuator 100 may be coupled to a process control device or any other upstream fluid support source (e.g., a pipe) via other chemical and/or mechanical fastening techniques. -
FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate anotherexample noise attenuator 300 constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. In particular,FIG. 3A is a perspective cross-sectional view of theexample noise attenuator 300 andFIG. 3B is a side cross-sectional view of theexample noise attenuator 300 as coupled to theregulator outlet 108 of the fluid regulator 102 (FIG. 1 ). Similar to theexample noise attenuator 100 ofFIGS. 1, 2A and 2B , theexample noise attenuator 300 ofFIGS. 3A and 3B may be implemented with any process control device (e.g., thefluid regulator 102 ofFIG. 1 ) to reduce the noise of fluid exiting the process control device. Theexample noise attenuator 300 includes abody 302 with a wall 304 (e.g., an inner wall) defining afluid passageway 306 between aninlet 308 and anoutlet 310 and a noise-attenuation assembly 312 (e.g., a noise-abatement assembly) disposed in thefluid passageway 306. In the illustrated example, the noise-attenuation assembly 312 includes afirst plate 314, asecond plate 316, athird plate 318 and afourth plate 320 coupled to acentral support rod 322 and disposed in thefluid passageway 306 between theinlet 308 and theoutlet 310 of thenoise attenuator 300. In other examples, the noise-attenuation assembly 312 may include more or fewer plates (e.g., one plate, two plates, five plates, eight plates, etc.). Thecentral support rod 322 is disposed along acentral axis 324 of thefluid passageway 306, and the first, second, third andfourth plates fluid passageway 306. Thecentral support rod 322 disposes thefirst plate 314 in a first position in thefluid passageway 306, thesecond plate 316 in a second position in thefluid passageway 306 downstream of the first position, thethird plate 318 in a third position in thefluid passageway 306 downstream of the second position, and thefourth plate 320 in a fourth position in thefluid passageway 306 downstream of the third position. - Similar to the
noise attenuator 100 ofFIGS. 2A and 2B , thefluid passageway 306 of thenoise attenuator 300 ofFIGS. 3A and 3B includes a taperedportion 326 that expands or increases between theinlet 308 and theoutlet 310. Thus, the plates 314-320 may have different diameters than each other (e.g., the diameter of thefourth plate 320 may be larger than the diameter of thethird plate 318, and so forth). Each of the plates 314-320 has a peripheral portion 328 (e.g., an outer edge or area near the outer edge of the plates 314-320) that is adjacent and/or engages a portion of the wall 304 (e.g., the tapered portion 326) defining thefluid passageway 306. For example, theperipheral portions 328 of the third andfourth plates wall 304 of thefluid passageway 306. Each of the plates 314-320 includes openings 330 (e.g., apertures, perforations, etc.) that define fluid pathways through the plates 314-320 and, thus, through thefluid passageway 306. Further, in the illustrated example, the first andsecond plates FIGS. 2A and 2B ). The noise reducing effect(s) achieved by the taperedportion 326, theopenings 330 in the plates 314-320 and the cavity 332 (e.g., the spring barrel) are similar to the effect(s) created by the corresponding features in thenoise attenuator 100 ofFIGS. 2A and 2B and are not repeated again herein. - Similar to the
central support rod 236 ofFIGS. 2A and 2B , thecentral support rod 322 ofFIGS. 3A and 3B extends throughcentral rod openings 334 in the plates 314-320. Threaded fasteners 336 (e.g., nuts) threadably couple to thecentral support rod 322 to retain the plates 314-320 in their respective positions in thefluid passageway 306, similar to the threadedfasteners 240 described in connection withFIGS. 2A and 2B . - As mentioned above, as the pressure differential across the plates 314-320 increases, the forces acting on the plates 314-320 increases. In particular, bending forces or stresses are induced in the
peripheral portions 328 of the plates 314-320. To reduce bending and deformation of the plates 314-320, one or more of the plates 314-320 may be curved. For example, as illustrated inFIGS. 3A and 3B , the third plate 318 (e.g., a concave plate) is curved such that aconcave side 338 of thethird plate 318 faces upstream (toward the inlet 308) and aconvex side 340 of thethird plate 318 faces downstream (toward the outlet 310). Thus, thethird plate 318 is pre-loaded or formed in a direction against the flow of fluid and, therefore, thethird plate 318 is shaped to resist stresses or loads on thethird plate 318 that may otherwise cause theperipheral portion 328 of thethird plate 318 to bend or move towards the downstream direction. Further, in the illustrated example, anouter edge 342 of thethird plate 318 is engaged with the wall 304 (e.g., along the tapered portion 326). In some examples, the diameter of thethird plate 318 in a flattened configuration (e.g., an effective diameter) is larger than the diameter of thefluid passageway 306. In other words, an arc length along a cross-section of the third plate 318 (e.g., the cross-sectioned arc seen inFIG. 3B ) is greater than a diameter or size of thefluid passageway 306. Therefore, if theperipheral portion 328 of thethird plate 318 is bent or moved in the downstream direction (e.g., as caused by forces induced by the flowing fluid), the diameter or flow area of thethird plate 318 increases more than the diameter or flow area of thefluid passageway 306, thereby pressing theperipheral edge 328 of thethird plate 318 into thewall 304 and, thus, maintains engagement with thewall 304 of thefluid passageway 306. This interaction causes relatively high normal forces between thewall 304 and thethird plate 318, and the friction between theperipheral edge 328 of thethird plate 318 and thewall 304 transfers at least part of the load away from thecenter support rod 322. Thus, thethird plate 318 is not subjected to high stresses at or near the center of the plate as seen in prior noise attenuators. Also, thethird plate 318 is prevented from bending or deforming in the downstream direction as seen in prior noise attenuators and, thus, does not suffer from such drawbacks. - In the illustrated example, the
fourth plate 320 is curved similar to thethird plate 318. In the illustrated example, the arc or radius of curvature of thethird plate 318 and thefourth plate 320 is substantially the same. In other examples, the arc or radius of curvature may be different. In some examples, thefirst plate 314 and/or thesecond plate 316 are likewise curved. In some examples, only one plate (e.g., the third plate 318) is implemented in thenoise attenuator 300. In other examples, more than one plate may be implemented. In some examples, one or more support rods (e.g., similar to thesupport rods 242 ofFIGS. 2A and 2B ) may be coupled between two or more of the plates 314-320 to further reduce bending or deformation of the plates 314-320. - Although certain example apparatus have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the amended claims either literally or under doctrine of equivalents.
Claims (21)
1. An apparatus comprising:
a first plate and a second plate disposed in a fluid passageway of a noise attenuator, the second plate spaced apart from the first plate;
a first support rod extending along a central axis of the fluid passageway, the first support rod coupled to the first plate and to the second plate; and
a second support rod extending along an axis parallel to and offset from the central axis, the second support rod coupled to the first plate and the second plate.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the second support rod is threaded, further including a first fastener threadably coupled to the second support rod on a side of the second plate facing downstream in the fluid passageway.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 , further including a second fastener threadably coupled to the second support rod on a side of the first plate facing upstream in the fluid passageway.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , further including a first set of support rods coupled between the first plate and the second plate, the support rods of the first set extending along respective axes that are parallel to and offset from the central axis.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the support rods of the first set, including the second support rod, are disposed in a pattern around the first support rod.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 , further including:
a third plate disposed in the fluid passageway and spaced apart from the first and second plates, the third plate coupled to the first support rod; and
a second set of support rods coupled to the second plate and the third plate.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the support rods of the second set are aligned along respective axes offset from the support rods of the first set.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein a peripheral edge of the first plate is engaged with a ledge formed in a wall of the fluid passageway.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first plate has a first diameter and the second plate has a second diameter different than the first diameter.
10. An apparatus comprising:
a first plate, a second plate and a third plate spaced apart from each other in a fluid passageway of a noise attenuator;
a first set of support rods coupled between the first plate and the second plate; and
a second set of support rods coupled between the second plate and the third plate, the support rods of the second set aligned along respective axes offset from the support rods of the first set.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the support rods of the first set extend through the first plate and the second plate.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the support rods of the first set are threaded, further including fasteners threadably coupled to the support rods of the first set on a side of the second plate facing downstream in the fluid passageway.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 , further including fasteners threadably coupled to the support rods of the first set on a side of the first plate facing upstream in the fluid passageway.
14. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the support rods of the second set extend through the second plate and the third plate.
15. The apparatus of claim 10 , further including a central support rod extending along a central axis of the fluid passageway, the first plate, the second plate and the third plate coupled to the central support rod.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the support rods of the first set and the support rods of the second set are parallel to and spaced apart from the central support rod.
17. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein a diameter of the fluid passageway expands or diverges between an inlet near the first plate and an outlet near the third plate.
18. An apparatus comprising:
a first plate and a second plate disposed in a fluid passageway of a noise attenuator, the second plate spaced apart from the first plate;
a first support rod extending through centers of the first and second plates, the first and second plates coupled to the first support rod; and
a second support rod coupled to peripheral portions of the first and second plates, the second support rod parallel to and spaced apart from the first support rod.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the second support rod is threaded, further including a first fastener threadably coupled to the second support rod on a side of the second plate facing downstream in the fluid passageway.
20. The apparatus of claim 19 , further including a second fastener threadably coupled to the second support rod on a side of the first plate facing upstream in the fluid passageway.
21-28. (canceled)
Priority Applications (7)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/395,227 US10208880B2 (en) | 2016-12-30 | 2016-12-30 | Noise attenuators for use with process control devices |
PCT/US2017/068081 WO2018125777A1 (en) | 2016-12-30 | 2017-12-22 | Apparatus for use in noise attenuators |
EP17832152.7A EP3563079B1 (en) | 2016-12-30 | 2017-12-22 | Noise attenuation assembly and noise attenuator |
MX2019007893A MX2019007893A (en) | 2016-12-30 | 2017-12-22 | Apparatus for use in noise attenuators. |
CN201721902247.8U CN208058244U (en) | 2016-12-30 | 2017-12-29 | Device for being used together with process control equipment |
CN201711476840.5A CN108266590B (en) | 2016-12-30 | 2017-12-29 | Noise attenuator for use with process control devices |
US16/245,961 US11156317B2 (en) | 2016-12-30 | 2019-01-11 | Noise attenuators for use with process control devices |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/395,227 US10208880B2 (en) | 2016-12-30 | 2016-12-30 | Noise attenuators for use with process control devices |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/245,961 Division US11156317B2 (en) | 2016-12-30 | 2019-01-11 | Noise attenuators for use with process control devices |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20180187816A1 true US20180187816A1 (en) | 2018-07-05 |
US10208880B2 US10208880B2 (en) | 2019-02-19 |
Family
ID=61003396
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/395,227 Active 2037-05-11 US10208880B2 (en) | 2016-12-30 | 2016-12-30 | Noise attenuators for use with process control devices |
US16/245,961 Active 2037-12-28 US11156317B2 (en) | 2016-12-30 | 2019-01-11 | Noise attenuators for use with process control devices |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/245,961 Active 2037-12-28 US11156317B2 (en) | 2016-12-30 | 2019-01-11 | Noise attenuators for use with process control devices |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US10208880B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3563079B1 (en) |
CN (2) | CN208058244U (en) |
MX (1) | MX2019007893A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2018125777A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN110242817A (en) * | 2019-07-18 | 2019-09-17 | 西南石油大学 | A kind of gas pipeline silencing apparatus |
US11156317B2 (en) * | 2016-12-30 | 2021-10-26 | Emerson Process Management Regulator Technologies, Inc. | Noise attenuators for use with process control devices |
US11282491B2 (en) * | 2019-12-17 | 2022-03-22 | Emerson Process Management Regulator Technologies, Inc. | Plates and plate assemblies for noise attenuators and other devices and methods making the same |
US20220136492A1 (en) * | 2018-01-12 | 2022-05-05 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Linear compressor and refrigerator including same |
US11562726B2 (en) | 2019-12-17 | 2023-01-24 | Emerson Process Management Regulator Technologies, Inc. | Plates and plate assemblies for noise attenuators and other devices and methods making the same |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CA3102540A1 (en) * | 2019-12-13 | 2021-06-13 | SPL Control Inc. | Refractory core with enhanced acoustic properties |
CN110953432A (en) * | 2019-12-30 | 2020-04-03 | 桐乡市锡良罐业有限公司 | Silencing mechanism of silencer |
Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4375841A (en) * | 1981-06-18 | 1983-03-08 | Fluid Kinetics Corporation | Fluid flow apparatus for accommodating a pressure drop |
US4751980A (en) * | 1986-10-20 | 1988-06-21 | Devane Harry M | Sound attenuation apparatus |
US7325474B2 (en) * | 2003-12-15 | 2008-02-05 | Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho | Silencer |
US20140069737A1 (en) * | 2012-09-10 | 2014-03-13 | Dresser Inc. | Noise attenuation device and fluid coupling comprised thereof |
US20150300525A1 (en) * | 2014-04-22 | 2015-10-22 | Emerson Process Management Regulator Technologies, Inc. | Sound treatment assembly for a fluid transmission line |
US9534725B1 (en) * | 2016-01-15 | 2017-01-03 | Emerson Process Management Regulator Technologies, Inc. | Noise-attenuation apparatus for pressure regulators |
US9739408B2 (en) * | 2016-01-15 | 2017-08-22 | Emerson Process Management Regulator Technologies, Inc. | Noise attenuation apparatus for fluid devices |
Family Cites Families (37)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US825010A (en) | 1905-12-27 | 1906-07-03 | Benjamin W Snow | Muffler. |
US1914072A (en) | 1931-08-26 | 1933-06-13 | Boylston John | Sound diffractor |
DE1175501B (en) * | 1960-09-30 | 1964-08-06 | Siemens Ag | Device for low-noise and low-vibration throttling of gaseous media |
DE1261712B (en) | 1962-12-10 | 1968-02-22 | Wiener Starkstromwerke Ges M B | Throttle device for low-noise expansion of a gas flow in a pipeline |
US3642095A (en) | 1968-03-22 | 1972-02-15 | Fujii Koygo Kk | Muffler |
US3665965A (en) | 1970-05-26 | 1972-05-30 | Masonellan International Inc | Apparatus for reducing flowing fluid pressure with low noise generation |
FR2270502B1 (en) | 1974-05-10 | 1978-01-13 | Masoneilan Int Inc | |
US4050479A (en) | 1975-06-27 | 1977-09-27 | Masoneilan International, Inc. | Fluid resistance device |
DE7533846U (en) | 1975-10-24 | 1976-02-19 | Honeywell Gmbh, 6000 Frankfurt | SILENCER |
IT7853326V0 (en) | 1978-05-17 | 1978-05-17 | Fiat Spa | EXHAUST SILENCER FOR RAILWAY AUTOMOTIVE |
FI65656C (en) | 1979-01-10 | 1984-06-11 | Roger Bey | VENTIL |
US4620688A (en) * | 1984-01-06 | 1986-11-04 | Bechtel International Corporation | Energy absorbing apparatus for piping system and the like |
SU1335770A1 (en) * | 1986-04-23 | 1987-09-07 | Предприятие П/Я А-7899 | Throttle device |
US5327941A (en) | 1992-06-16 | 1994-07-12 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | Cascade orificial resistive device |
US5495872A (en) | 1994-01-31 | 1996-03-05 | Integrity Measurement Partners | Flow conditioner for more accurate measurement of fluid flow |
FR2776033B1 (en) * | 1998-03-13 | 2000-08-18 | Gaz De France | FLOW CONDITIONER FOR GAS TRANSPORT PIPING |
CN1368594A (en) * | 2001-01-28 | 2002-09-11 | 王冲 | Method and apparatus for reducing pressure of high-pressure fluid and attenuating pulse energy of fluid in channel |
US6807968B2 (en) | 2001-04-26 | 2004-10-26 | Medtronic, Inc. | Method and system for treatment of atrial tachyarrhythmias |
US6807986B2 (en) | 2002-03-22 | 2004-10-26 | Dresser, Inc. | Noise reduction device for fluid flow systems |
CN1311186C (en) * | 2003-05-23 | 2007-04-18 | 株式会社神户制钢所 | Noise reduction structure of porous plate |
US8523141B2 (en) | 2008-04-24 | 2013-09-03 | Cameron International Corporation | Control valve |
CN101270819A (en) * | 2008-05-08 | 2008-09-24 | 四川华林自控科技有限公司 | High pressure-difference sleeve valve |
BRPI0822564A2 (en) * | 2008-07-25 | 2015-06-23 | Hatch Ltd | Device for stabilizing and decelerating a supersonic flow incorporating a divergent nozzle and a perforated plate. |
US8167084B1 (en) | 2010-03-01 | 2012-05-01 | Fn Manufacturing, Llc | Sound suppressor |
DE102010028089B4 (en) | 2010-04-22 | 2020-03-19 | Man Energy Solutions Se | Pipe muffler for a turbomachine and method for installing a pipe muffler |
US8307943B2 (en) | 2010-07-29 | 2012-11-13 | General Electric Company | High pressure drop muffling system |
CN103711984B (en) | 2012-09-28 | 2018-04-13 | 费希尔控制国际公司 | Simplified modal attenuator |
NO335475B1 (en) | 2013-03-08 | 2014-12-15 | A Tec Holding As | Silencer for firearms |
US9518662B2 (en) * | 2013-05-16 | 2016-12-13 | Fisher Controls International Llc | Control valve trim cage having a plurality of anti-cavitation or noise abatement bars |
USD720670S1 (en) | 2013-09-05 | 2015-01-06 | General Electric Company | Muffler |
CN203585346U (en) * | 2013-10-29 | 2014-05-07 | 大丰市燃气设备有限责任公司 | Pressure regulator with muffler device |
CN103591375A (en) * | 2013-11-20 | 2014-02-19 | 无锡智能自控工程股份有限公司 | Externally-arranged multipurpose silencer |
CN104075069A (en) * | 2014-07-19 | 2014-10-01 | 李彩云 | Throttling orifice plate component |
CN204254136U (en) * | 2014-11-25 | 2015-04-08 | 中国舰船研究设计中心 | A kind of multistage porous board type low-noise throttling arrangement |
CN104913148B (en) * | 2015-04-22 | 2017-06-16 | 苏州纽威阀门股份有限公司 | A kind of multistage denoiser and the valve with the denoiser |
CN105465537B (en) * | 2015-12-31 | 2017-12-22 | 山东思达特测控设备有限公司 | A kind of rectifier with de-noising function |
US10208880B2 (en) * | 2016-12-30 | 2019-02-19 | Emerson Process Management Regulator Technologies, Inc. | Noise attenuators for use with process control devices |
-
2016
- 2016-12-30 US US15/395,227 patent/US10208880B2/en active Active
-
2017
- 2017-12-22 MX MX2019007893A patent/MX2019007893A/en unknown
- 2017-12-22 WO PCT/US2017/068081 patent/WO2018125777A1/en unknown
- 2017-12-22 EP EP17832152.7A patent/EP3563079B1/en active Active
- 2017-12-29 CN CN201721902247.8U patent/CN208058244U/en active Active
- 2017-12-29 CN CN201711476840.5A patent/CN108266590B/en active Active
-
2019
- 2019-01-11 US US16/245,961 patent/US11156317B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4375841A (en) * | 1981-06-18 | 1983-03-08 | Fluid Kinetics Corporation | Fluid flow apparatus for accommodating a pressure drop |
US4751980A (en) * | 1986-10-20 | 1988-06-21 | Devane Harry M | Sound attenuation apparatus |
US7325474B2 (en) * | 2003-12-15 | 2008-02-05 | Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho | Silencer |
US20140069737A1 (en) * | 2012-09-10 | 2014-03-13 | Dresser Inc. | Noise attenuation device and fluid coupling comprised thereof |
US20150300525A1 (en) * | 2014-04-22 | 2015-10-22 | Emerson Process Management Regulator Technologies, Inc. | Sound treatment assembly for a fluid transmission line |
US9534725B1 (en) * | 2016-01-15 | 2017-01-03 | Emerson Process Management Regulator Technologies, Inc. | Noise-attenuation apparatus for pressure regulators |
US9739408B2 (en) * | 2016-01-15 | 2017-08-22 | Emerson Process Management Regulator Technologies, Inc. | Noise attenuation apparatus for fluid devices |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11156317B2 (en) * | 2016-12-30 | 2021-10-26 | Emerson Process Management Regulator Technologies, Inc. | Noise attenuators for use with process control devices |
US20220136492A1 (en) * | 2018-01-12 | 2022-05-05 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Linear compressor and refrigerator including same |
CN110242817A (en) * | 2019-07-18 | 2019-09-17 | 西南石油大学 | A kind of gas pipeline silencing apparatus |
US11282491B2 (en) * | 2019-12-17 | 2022-03-22 | Emerson Process Management Regulator Technologies, Inc. | Plates and plate assemblies for noise attenuators and other devices and methods making the same |
US11562726B2 (en) | 2019-12-17 | 2023-01-24 | Emerson Process Management Regulator Technologies, Inc. | Plates and plate assemblies for noise attenuators and other devices and methods making the same |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20190145566A1 (en) | 2019-05-16 |
CN108266590A (en) | 2018-07-10 |
CN108266590B (en) | 2021-12-31 |
MX2019007893A (en) | 2019-09-26 |
WO2018125777A1 (en) | 2018-07-05 |
EP3563079B1 (en) | 2023-06-21 |
CN208058244U (en) | 2018-11-06 |
US11156317B2 (en) | 2021-10-26 |
EP3563079A1 (en) | 2019-11-06 |
US10208880B2 (en) | 2019-02-19 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US11156317B2 (en) | Noise attenuators for use with process control devices | |
US9534725B1 (en) | Noise-attenuation apparatus for pressure regulators | |
US9739408B2 (en) | Noise attenuation apparatus for fluid devices | |
US3894716A (en) | Fluid control means having plurality discs | |
US6807986B2 (en) | Noise reduction device for fluid flow systems | |
JP4755668B2 (en) | Valve with fluid pressure reducing device with integral guide | |
EP2798247B1 (en) | Anti-cavitation valve seat | |
EP0167252A1 (en) | Valves and components therefor | |
US11209100B2 (en) | Valve trim apparatus for use with valves | |
US10883626B2 (en) | Valve trim apparatus for use with control valves | |
US3288167A (en) | Relife valve | |
RU2249742C2 (en) | Regulating valve | |
CA2612880C (en) | Noise reduction device for fluid flow systems | |
KR20140143665A (en) | Cylindrical Multi High Pressure Vertical Two Step Stage Trim, Flow Control Valve | |
KR20140136100A (en) | Cylindrical Multi High Pressure Two Step Stage Trim, Flow Control Valve | |
CN111750123A (en) | Valve core assembly and regulating valve suitable for high-temperature working condition |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: EMERSON PROCESS MANAGEMENT REGULATOR TECHNOLOGIES, Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MASIAS, JUSTIN LANE;REEL/FRAME:040839/0926 Effective date: 20170103 |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
MAFP | Maintenance fee payment |
Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 4TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1551); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY Year of fee payment: 4 |